Having the chance to study abroad is undoubtedly one of the best benefits one can have. You will want to have enough money at the end of the school year to do that with your new friends, especially for your wanderlust. While a side job can offer you an extra monthly income, it can get tough to manage school and work. Thankfully, with the hacks below, you can make life more comfortable in the new place.
1. Use your school and library as much as possible:
Reducing your energy usage is one of the best ways to keep the budget in check. The tuition fees and the accommodation fees can already be financially taxing enough. You can cut back on whatever amount you can on the electricity bills, which can come in handy. Not only does this significantly reduce the electricity bills but the spaces are also designed to offer you an ergonomic environment to use the student’s study sessions.
2. Consider living off-campus with friends for inexpensive rent:
Student accommodation in Darmstadt will most likely be the next biggest expense, after the tuition fees. This can tempt you to just move into a dorm, especially when you will have everything you need right at your fingertips. You will be surprised with how much money you can potentially save when you can live off-campus if you do your due diligence in looking for a suitable apartment within walking distance of your school. Another great alternative is homestay. Staying with a host family will allow you to fully immerse yourself into the local culture and get a better understanding of the cultural practices, really getting in the thick of it. Moreover, you can try out some meals that are offered by the host family, crossing another expense off the list.
3. Buy used textbooks or rent them:
It is always okay to skimp all the textbooks as well as revision materials. There is no reason to pay full price for a textbook. Especially when you will not be needing them anymore by the end of the school year. You can purchase used textbooks from the site instead since many courses reuse the same curriculum and learning materials. Alternatively, you can also check the textbook rental websites.
4. Look out for student discounts with the student card:
One of the top-notch advantages of being a student is undoubtedly the student discounts. From the meals to the mobile plans and even movie tickets, make full use of the student discounts available. The 10% saved might not seem much but when you accumulate them, then the excess money saved can be spent on the extra night outs you might want to have with your friends. You can carry your student ID everywhere and get discounts whenever you are invited to.
5. Shop local and at a grocery store:
While dining fancy and treating ourselves to the restaurants with some amazing ambiance which is fine once in a while. You can keep the budget in check and ensure that you are not eating out or having takeaways every meal. The supermarket as well as local grocery stores are hands down your best friends when it comes to scaling down the expenses of your daily meals. You can look out the supermarket house brands for even more savings. House brand items come at only a fraction of the price as compared to non-house brand items.
6. Enjoy and chill out at free entertainment events and venues:
It might be tempting to splurge on a few rounds of drinks during the nights with friends on the weekends, especially for special occasions and after the arduous semester of school. Without affecting your budget, it can be really easy to overspend all your money. sightseeing is always one of the best ideas if you are searching for a change in scenery. After all, that is one of the best perks of studying abroad and broadening your horizons. You can look out for free local events happening. Whether it is a free outdoor movie screening event under the stars a picnic by the glistening beach or a hike within the sprawling wilderness, you can find something free and exhilarating to do in a distant city.
7. Use a credit card for those sweet reward points:
If you haven’t considered it yet, then do now. However, before signing up, learn how to spend within the budget and set a limit on the card which can allow you to reap the full benefits of earning those sweet reward points. When you use the credit card, not only you are going to avoid getting charged with expensive foreign exchange rates by the banks but you can also earn reward points. Such points can be redeemed for cash, rebates as well as other exclusive offers.
8. Use the public transportation network:
When it comes to the daily commute, consider monthly and annual concessions that pass for public transportation. They can make a stark difference to the overall budget. Varying from one city to another, it is one of the most convenient and cheapest modes of transportation that varies between buses and trains. Taking time to familiarize yourself with the local transport networks is a daunting task. It goes without saying that cab fares are simply just too straining and unsustainable. Cycling is another mode of commute which have gained traction over the last few years. It is cheap, flexible, and can keep you fit. The app will allow you to check for the most convenient and cheapest route to your destination.
